Moving: Easy Ways to Make Moving Day Less Stressful... Relocation.com Staff

By Relocation.com Staff

Moving day is stressful - not only do you have to coordinate every aspect of the move, you might also be dealing with the emotions of those around you on a very busy day -- your spouse, your kids, your movers.

Heck, even YOU might be getting emotional.

So be careful that in the heat of the moment you don't make some of these more common mistakes:

1. Ignoring Your Inventory

Your moving inventory is proof that items that were packed in your home found their way onto the truck. Make sure that everything that was packed got on the van, and that it's reflected in the inventory. Work out a system with your mover so you can check this. (Moving companies do this all the time, so they'll be prepared for the request.)

When you get to your new home, you'll use the inventory again to ensure that everything gets off the truck and into your new home!

2. Not Doing a Walk-Through of Your House After Loading

It's easy to leave stuff behind -- perhaps it's those Christmas decorations in the closet, or maybe that painting in the master bedroom. Before signing anything, go through every closet and cupboard to ensure it's all been loaded. When you sign, your signing over your items to the moving company, and if anything's been forgotten, you'll have to arrange to have it shipped to your new home (and it won't be cheap....)

3. Letting Your Moving Company Move Stuff You Need Access to

Once everything's on the truck, you won't be able to get at it until you're at your new home. Make sure you set aside these things where the movers won't accidently load them.

This includes enough clothing, cosmetics, toiletries, prescription drugs, electronics like a cell phone and a charger -- and bring a little more than you think you'll need, just in case the moving company's late.

4. Having Kids and Pets Around During the Move

Having kids and pets around during the move can be dangerous to them, and to your movers, because the movers will be lifting and moving lots of heavy furniture and boxes. If you can't have someone watch them for a few hours, make sure they stay in a room that's out of the movers' way. In your new home, set up their rooms first and unpack their toys and the TV, so they can occupied while everything gets moved in and unpacked.

5. Letting Movers Move Precious Goods

Anything you can't bear the prospect of losing you should keep with you in the car on the way to your new home. These include family mementos like pictures, personal documents, financial information and artwork. Also back up the data on your computer (unless you're carrying it with you) and carry the drive with you.